Covington was elected in 2002 and pioneered the truancy court program just a couple of years after she became a judge. Crowson, a former Lexington Senior High School social studies teacher, has had her own private practice in Lexington since 2010.

Wood has served as a district court judge since 2002, is a member of the board of Cancer Services of Davidson County and the North Carolina Memorial Day and Celebration Committee. McDonald has more than 17 years of experience in private practice and has spent 31 years in the United States Marine Corps, United States Army Reserve and the Judge Advocate General Corps.

Chase has practiced law for more than 16 years. Since 2006, she has practiced law in the fields of criminal defense and family civil law as a sole proprietor. Jané was sworn in as a district court judge in January. He worked as an attorney in private practice for nearly 20 years, specializing in criminal, civil, and juvenile law.

What are the most important factors to consider when making a decision with cases that involve children, such as child custody or child abuse?

Chase: Factors I feel are most important in making a decision regarding child custody are structure, stability and involvement. All situations have to be looked at individually and factors and evidence in each will be different; however, I feel it is important to establish a routine structured schedule for children and stick to the routine. Children like to know what is happening in their lives and an established routine schedule can ease their anxiety about where they are going and who they will be with. I feel both parents should help contribute to making their child’s scheduled routine a success. Both parents should actively strive to maintain a healthy relationship with the children and maintain positive feelings to the children about each other, cultivating a quality relationship with the children and each parent. Although it’s not always possible, I think parents should make an effort to maintain a reasonable living distance from each other to help facilitate extra-curricular activities and aspects involved in the children’s daily routines. Each parent’s goal should be to provide a stable, loving environment for their children, and set aside hard feelings about each other for what is best for the kids. Child abuse situations have to be looked at to substantiate the motivation of reporting party and their relationship with the child, what physical evidence is available to support any abuse gathered from police, Dragonfly House, and doctor’s reports, and depending on the age of the child, their testimony.

Jané: The most important factors for me in deciding these types of cases involving child custody or child abuse is the safety and well-being of the child involved. Pure and simple. Everything else will feed off of that. I am not concerned with inconveniencing the parents. I will and have put procedural safeguards in place in an attempt to give the children structure and protection. For child custody, if both parents are capable, then they will both enjoy visitation. I will take into consideration the child's wishes, but that will not control my decision. While their desires are relevant and important to me, they are still the minor and I am the one that has been entrusted by the people to make that tough decision. If the case involves child abuse, and adjudicated as responsible to such, the parents or parties may have to attend anger management or parenting classes and certainly run the risk of going to jail. The responsible parties will have to prove themselves as having changed or learned from their past mistakes. I will not wait for them to get their act together, if they are not ready to care for the child or children respectively, then the court will move on without them. My only goal is what is in the best interests of the child and how we all can put them into the best situation to achieve long lasting success.

Covington: This will most likely be the most popular answer, but it is the only answer. The only option for this judge is to put the best interest of the child first and it is what the law requires. Too many parents put their own needs first and those children did not ask to be brought into this world. I am constantly telling parents that making them happy is not my job. If they cannot agree about what is best for the child, then they get stuck with the court's ruling. I will never choose what the parent wants over the needs of the children if it is not what is best for that child. I will always strive to give the child what they need, not what they want.

Crowson: The most important factor to consider when making decisions involving child custody is which party or parties are going to promote the best interests of the child. Best interests of the child is different for each and every case, but it includes seeing that the child receives appropriate care, and sometimes that includes specialized therapy so that the child can reach his or her full potential. The best interests of the child always includes promoting a healthy relationship between the child and other relatives or caregivers with whom the child has a close relationship. If one party has demonstrated a pattern of trying to interfere with the child having a relationship with the other parent or relatives, that is certainly an important factor for the court to consider when making a permanent custody decision.

McDonald: A judge must protect children. A judge’s guiding polar star should always be the best interests of the child. In a custody case, a judge must determine what custody arrangement is best for the child. Any factor that affects the child should be considered. The most important factors to consider are grounded in plain, ordinary common sense, like the parents’ co-parenting skills and parenting abilities, who the parents expose the child to, what new relationships the parents involve the children in, and changes in residences, schools and other disruptions of the child’s life. In a child abuse/neglect/dependence case, once the allegations have been proven, a judge must oversee identification of the child and parents’ needs, consideration of how to best address those needs and development of a plan that is in the child’s best interests, with a focus on the child’s health, safety and need to have permanence within a reasonable time. As in a custody case, the most important factors to consider are grounded in plain, ordinary common sense, like whether the child can be reunified with the parents within a reasonable time, what services have been or should be offered to the child and parents and whether a child’s placement is appropriate. The responsibility of a judge to make the right decision in any case involving the life of a child is enormous, but the guiding polar star of best interest of the child is always there to lead the way to the right result for the child.

Wood: Once the necessary legal requirements have been satisfied to allow the court to proceed to the disposition of the case, the polar star guiding the court is always the “best interests of the minor child.” In cases that involve child abuse, some of the most important factors to consider are past instances of neglect, abuse, or violence by either or both of the parents and the ability of the parents to ensure a safe, stable, and loving environment. A child’s safety and stability are of utmost concern when there has been a finding of abuse. In such cases, the child’s best interests may require placement with relatives or placement in foster care. In cases involving a determination of child custody between parents, some of the most important factors to consider are the ability of each parent to ensure a safe, stable and loving environment and the mental and physical health of the parents. A parent who struggles with anger management, serious depression, or debilitating physical ailments may not be able to properly care for the child. A parent with an extensive criminal record may demonstrate a history of poor decision making, and a parent with a drug addiction will not be able to provide a safe and stable environment for the child. Some other significant factors that must be considered are the impact of the custody decision on the child’s medical, emotional and educational needs, as well as the quality of the child’s relationship with each parent.

For incumbent judges, summarize your general judicial philosophy. For challengers, explain what your general judicial philosophy would be if elected.

Wood: Fairness, integrity, impartiality and a commitment to adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law all are essential characteristics of a good judge, and they are my greatest strengths. I am a constitutional conservative and believe that judicial activism is to be avoided at all cost. A judge has a duty to follow the law as it is written, not to make a decision based on what he/she would like the law to be. Throughout my sixteen years on the bench, I have demonstrated that I am fair and impartial. Every person who appears in front of me is treated with the same fairness, dignity and respect as any other person regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, who they are, what position they hold or who their lawyer is. Each party has a right to be heard, and a judge’s job is to listen to all of the competent evidence presented in the courtroom before making a decision. I have consistently demonstrated that I will uphold the law and will always try to make the appropriate and just decision. Integrity is doing what is right even when no one is watching, and I believe that I have demonstrated that I am a person of integrity.

McDonald: Being a judge is not a job. It is not about salary, benefits or titles. Being a judge is a calling. It is about doing work that is more important than you. It is about selfless service to the people and the community. A judge has the power to change lives, but that power does not belong to the judge. It is only held in trust to serve the people and the community. A judge should be actively involved in the community, understand its people, and advocate and support causes that benefit both, even when it is not an election year. In the courtroom, a judge should set the highest standards of professionalism by consistently showing up on time, working a full day, focusing on efficiently doing the people’s work and treating everyone with dignity and respect. A judge should be a humble, patient, and impartial referee who listens attentively to the evidence, applies the law as it is written, and renders fair judgments, regardless of what you look like, who you are, how much money you have, or who your lawyer is. A judge should strictly follow the law and never attempt to make or change law on a whim. A judge should protect children from sex offenders, drug dealers, and all other evildoers who would prey on them. A judge should possess a good moral compass and have the character and humility to know that a black robe and title do not make you better than anyone else.

Crowson: My judicial philosophy can be summed up in one word: constitutionalist. This means that I respect the three separate branches of government and the role each one was assigned to play by our nation's founders. I recognize that it is the job of legislature to make the laws, and the job of the judicial branch to interpret and apply the laws. It is never appropriate for a judge to legislate from the bench.

Covington: I enter the courtroom with zero preconceived notions every single day. I do not believe politics should ever play a part in the determining a verdict or judgment call. It is about the people before me and the evidence presented. I will continue to strive to maintain fairness and impartiality.

Jané: As an incumbent judge, my general judicial philosophy is no judicial activism. I interpret the law as written and apply it free from passion or prejudice. I do not interpret the law as I wish it was written, for that is not my domain. I do not legislate from the bench. I apply my background of over twenty years legal experience and temper that with common sense and am a servant of the people. My role is to be in control but not shine or grandstand. I let all parties have their say provided they do so respectfully. It is also my judicial philosophy to treat all parties with fairness and equality. Evidence of this is shown in the North Carolina Bar Association Judicial Survey for 2018 where I received from my peers in the legal profession extremely high marks in being able to serve in a fair and impartial manner, treating all in the courtroom with courtesy and respect, being prepared and attentive in the courtroom, and being respectful of court.

Chase:My judicial philosophy is that of a constitutional conservative. Laws are made by the executive and legislative branches, not by judges. A judge’s role is to interpret the laws made by these two branches. I feel a judge's personal or political values should not dictate court decisions and the focus should be on the evidence available, making sure proper court procedures are followed to maintain constitutional integrity, and elements are being met in regards to each case. The written words in the United States Constitution, North Carolina Constitution, and the North Carolina General Statutes are the laws that govern, and should be interpreted, not made from the bench. Many cases in district court are fact-based, depending on what courtroom it pertains too; however, when a question of law arises, a judge needs to review the law as it is written and apply the particular facts and circumstances for each case. Each case should be looked at without bias of previous experiences because no situation is identical and each case deserves to be looked at and decided on with the same clarity. Public safety is paramount to the general public, individual victims and our law enforcement officers, all of which should be considered when making decisions that affect the safety and welfare of our communities.

For incumbent judges, how do you balance being an independent judge and elected official? For challengers, how would you balance being an independent judge and elected official if elected?

Chase: Judges should uphold the independence and integrity of the court, with no special interest in mind. Do what is right no matter who is watching or what parties are involved. Judges should not involve themselves in activities that will reduce or take away the worth or value of the court and its rulings. Judges should be involved in activities in the community as long as time permits and impartiality is never compromised. Courts should hear cases fairly and have patience with the individuals involved and balance efficiency. It should not matter the attorney’s involved or if individuals represent themselves. All parties should be listened to and treated equally. Everyone involved should be treated with the same respect without bias or consideration of their political views. The integrity and respect to the court and constitution decisions are founded on should be the main concern of focus, not the status, race, religion or creed someone brings before it. Everyone may have a need to seek the courts wisdom on a particular matter perhaps involving some of their most intimate moments that could affect them for a lifetime. Everyone should have the same confidence their cases will be handled with the same care and respect regardless of who they are and what they represent. Justice is blind and so should be those who take the oath to uphold and defend all that is involved in the process of carrying it out.

Jané: The answer to this question is simple. I will never sacrifice being an independent judge just to remain in office. While I am grateful to have a broad base of supporters, I cannot and will not show any favoritism. Anyone can claim they will be fair or bring justice back to the courtroom. I was never aware it had left. I'm on the job doing it now. It doesn't matter who the parties are in front of me, or who their lawyers are, if the facts or the law are not on their side, then they will not prevail in that particular instance. I will render a decision regardless of gender, religion, race or the economic power of the parties. People understand that judges have to be neutral and I think what they really desire is someone with integrity. I try to be that person every single day. I have really enjoyed meeting folks across the district which includes Davidson and Davie counties. The voters just want someone to work hard for them and conduct themselves with honor. This wonderful place deserves a judge that will work hard for them while maintaining his judicial independence. I am grateful to be one of your judges for this district and I am humbled at the prospect of continuing to do so.

Covington: I refuse to allow party politics affect my judgment calls. It doesn't matter who appears in front of me, title is irrelevant. Fairness and justice is the polar star that I strive to follow. If the Constitution or the N.C. laws do not address the issue, then I will not make law.

Crowson: I will balance being an elected official and an independent judge by establishing and maintaining firm boundaries with others so that it is clear that while I will be cordial to all, I will not allow any individual or group of individuals to influence my decisions.

McDonald: I come from a family with a proud history of military service. Both of my grandfathers served. My father was killed in Vietnam when I was nine months old. I joined the Marine Corps when I was 17 years old. I now serve as a major in the Army Reserve and Judge Advocate. I recently celebrated 32 years of military service. Growing up, I spent summers with my father’s family, working on my grandparent’s farm. Throughout my life, I have been taught that a hard day’s work is good for the soul and that your reputation is the most valuable thing that you have. Every day I try very hard to live the values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, personal courage and integrity. To me, integrity means doing what is right, legally and morally. I believe integrity is developed by adhering to moral principles. My reputation of integrity was built over time and earned through hard work, sacrifice and the sweat of my brow. It means everything to me. It cannot be bought or sold. It is priceless. I will not trade it for anything, including a public office. My reputation of integrity is reflected in the higher ratings I received in the 2018 North Carolina Bar Association Judicial Performance Evaluation, and the endorsements I received from the North Carolina Troopers Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, Superior Court Judge Lori Hamilton, Superior Court Judge Lynn Gullett, and Superior Court Judge (retired) Ted Royster.

Wood: As a district court judge, I preside over cases such as domestic violence, juvenile cases involving the Department of Social Services, juvenile delinquency, child custody and support cases, equitable distribution of marital property, criminal cases, involuntary commitments and other civil law disputes. Many of these cases are emotionally charged, and my duty requires me to make difficult decisions. My decisions are based on the competent evidence presented in court and the applicable law, and sometimes a party is unhappy with the outcome. My duty requires that I make appropriate decisions without regard as to whether or not a person is going to vote for me in the future or work against me in a campaign. In my court, everyone is treated fairly and equally, regardless of race, religion, social status, professional status or any other status. I apply the law as it is written, and I do not bend it to fit anyone’s desires, regardless of the outcome. As an elected official, it is important to be an active leader in the community. Because I believe that our children are our future and want to make a positive impact on as many as possible, I have been a dedicated DARE graduation speaker since 2003. For the past eighteen years, I have actively served on the North Carolina Memorial Day Parade Committee. I am also currently serving on the Board of Cancer Services of Davidson County, the Salvation Army and the National Theological College and Graduate School Board of Trustees.

Ben Coley can be reached at (336) 249-3981, ext. 227 or at ben.coley@the-dispatch.com. Follow Ben on Twitter: @LexDispatchBC

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